E-cigarette use on the rise among Wisconsin teens

Posted:
Thursday, November 17, 2016 7:21 PM EST

WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) -

E-cigarette use is on the rise among Wisconsin teens, according to a new survey by the Central Wisconsin Tobacco Free Coalition.

The survey found for the first time ever, more teens are using e-cigarettes than conventional cigarettes. Smokers may believe e-cigarettes are healthier than regular cigarettes, but experts say both are bad for your health.

“We don't have all the research on e-cigarettes, but what we do know is that they aren't a safer alternative to smoking,” Central Wisconsin Tobacco Free Coalition coordinator Destinee Coenen said. “Over the past couple of years, research studies have come out that have shown there are chemicals found in e-cigarettes that do cause serious lung damage.”

Coenen said the products can come in many different sweet flavors. According to the survey, 90 percent of high school students said they wouldn't use e-cigarettes if it weren't for the flavors.